Tacoma TRD E-Locker retrofit...PLEASE HELP!!!

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dixiemudtoy

dixiemudtoy

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Hey guys, wondering if yall could help me out with this. Looking to retrofit a TRD locking 3rd member into my '86 rear end, and have researched that it's possible to fit into the pickup axle housing by simply clearancing the housing and installing new studs where they need to be. With that said, I just had a few questions:

1. What's a good price to pay for one of these units? I have found they are pretty hard to come by, but have been quoted $550 from a reputable Toyota bone yard. Is this high, average or low? Does anybody know of any for sale for a good price?

2. Does anybody know if the ring and pinion from the pickups will mate up with the TRD 3rd member? I need to know if I can fit the 4.56 R&P from my truck's 3rd onto the TRD 3rd. Is this possible?

Any advice / help would be greatly appreciated!!

:cheers:

EDIT: my rear 3rd IS FROM a V6 truck!!!! very crucial part that I completely forgot to mention...sorry guys!!!
 
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I don't know if the R&P will fit but if your truck is a V6 3rd then it probably will.

You can buy new TRD elockers for about $900 and they come with a 1 year warranty and you can buy them with 4.56 gears. You need to add everything up: used elocker, set-up kit, labor for the regear, etc. I concluded that new was just as cheap.
 
I'm not so sure on that $900 price anymore, I'd be checking with CDan on that.

You need V6 gears for a rear TRD e-locker.

I have seen used units go from $200-600. Some of it is dependent on the condition of the actuator.
 
KLF said:
I'm not so sure on that $900 price anymore, I'd be checking with CDan on that.

You need V6 gears for a rear TRD e-locker.

I have seen used units go from $200-600. Some of it is dependent on the condition of the actuator.
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I paid $875 each for two about two years ago. My dealer gave me quite a bit off the retail price (~$1200 at the time). CDan was going to give me a similar price but I was going to have to pay shipping. I agree that it will take a bit of work to get them new for $900.

I just checked both Marlin's and Inchworm's sites; they've increased their prices quite a bit since I was shopping. Maybe the retail price has increased quite a bit?
 
I checked prices last year and they were around $1100. I'm installing one in my 85 front housing now. I suggest using bolts through the actuator instead of studs. It makes removal and installation of the actuator much easier.

To install the actuator, it has to be partially inserted a few degrees off from center and then turned counterclockwise to line up with the holes. This pre-loads the spring inside and lines up the contacts. If you look at the actuator, there is a slotted hole that lines up with a dowel on the 3rd member. That is what it is there for. If you use the long factory studs, it is impossible to install the actuator without either taking the studs out or removing the 3rd member completely. Using bolts is the way to go.

You will also have to clearance the back of the housing with a hammer to clear the carrier bolts. Once you pull the 3 stock studs, drop the 3rd member into the housing a few times and you'll see where it hits in the back. Take a hammer and punch and bang it out until the 3rd member sits flush.
 
Don't now about the Tacoma rear but if I had to re do my 80 series e-lockers I would go new. With used you are rolling the dice.
 
KLF said:
I'm not so sure on that $900 price anymore, I'd be checking with CDan on that.

You need V6 gears for a rear TRD e-locker.

I have seen used units go from $200-600. Some of it is dependent on the condition of the actuator.
Click to expand...

OKAY, good deal...with pickup V6 gears (which is what I'm running) the TRD E-Locker will bolt up to the ring gear, that's what your saying right?? it seems to be the general consensus. I am pretty sure that the unit I will be getting for $550 will be in immaculate condition...they always are from this place. It's white's auto sales in vonore, TN, if anybody was interested in the source.
 
WarDamnEagle said:
I paid $875 each for two about two years ago. My dealer gave me quite a bit off the retail price (~$1200 at the time). CDan was going to give me a similar price but I was going to have to pay shipping. I agree that it will take a bit of work to get them new for $900.

I just checked both Marlin's and Inchworm's sites; they've increased their prices quite a bit since I was shopping. Maybe the retail price has increased quite a bit?
Click to expand...

Inchworm sells built 3rds w/ the TRD locker for $1200, with no provision for simply offering the locker / carrier by itself. Hmm...I think I can do it cheaper by getting quality used one for $550, installing my current V6 R&P, and then having a shop set up the spacing for around $150. I think 12voltguy sells wiring harnesses for a decent price for these deals...:clap:
 
I run a hipinion Elocker and have installed allot of other Elockers for others.

I would recommend an ARB. No housing mods either. Service parts are available too.

Elocker parts are not available at reasonable cost. Its always cheaper to buy another complete used Elocker than ONE new part.

If you break it later and decide to change you have a big notch in a worthless housing (not such a big deal on a rear, but not cool on a front).

Just food for thought.
 
2ndGenToyotaFan said:
Any V6 ring and pinion 88-95 will fit the E locker. Check the FAQ here for info on wiring the locker, you have a lot of options.
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Sweet...thank you. at a bazillion posts, I trust that you know what you're talking about...:cheers:
 
Chop Shop said:
I run a hipinion Elocker and have installed allot of other Elockers for others.

I would recommend an ARB. No housing mods either. Service parts are available too.

Elocker parts are not available at reasonable cost. Its always cheaper to buy another complete used Elocker than ONE new part.

If you break it later and decide to change you have a big notch in a worthless housing (not such a big deal on a rear, but not cool on a front).

Just food for thought.
Click to expand...

I see...and I agree, the ARB is definitely a superior setup...I just don't know that I can afford $1200 per axle for lockers, setup, compressor and hoses. I don't do hardcore rock crawling, so I think for my purposes, the E-Locker will suit my needs just fine. And I think with time (hopefully) service parts will become more available at better prices.

Thank you for the words of advice though...hopefully my decision will not come back to bite me in the arse.:doh:
 
As stated, it will fit. The V6 gears are very similar to the tacoma gears. The big difference is that that most e-locker 3rds use a 30 spline pinion vs. a 28 spline pinion found in older trucks. But all this means is that you have to run the flange off a 28-spline truck (mine came off an '86 4cyl 3rd).
 
are we sure the v6 gears will fit in the later gen third members? I was pretty sure that the v6's were still an 8" ring gear while the tacomas and 3rd gen 4runners were an 8.4".
 
THanks guys, Preciate all the input. So the general consensus is that the TRD unit will fit any V6 differential, regardless of it's age. Sweet. Now if anybody has any advice or tips for the install, it would be greatly appreciated :)
 
dixiemudtoy said:
THanks guys, Preciate all the input. So the general consensus is that the TRD unit will fit any V6 differential, regardless of it's age. Sweet. Now if anybody has any advice or tips for the install, it would be greatly appreciated :)
Click to expand...

It will fit any 8" housing. I have my fj diffs in an '86 4cyl housing.
 
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